Potential Manchester United and PSV signings Ruud van Nistelrooy could pursue for Leicester City
The new manager may use the January transfer window to reshape his squad, drawing on familiar players from his previous managerial roles to make an immediate impact.
When a manager faces their first transfer window at a new club, they often seek familiar faces—players they know and trust to deliver an immediate impact.
This could be the case for Ruud van Nistelrooy as he navigates Leicester City’s January window in an effort to secure the club’s survival.
While recruitment chief Martyn Glover and his team likely have a list of potential targets, Van Nistelrooy might bring his own preferences to the table.
This could involve reaching out to former players from his time at Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven.
Below, we explore five players who might reunite with Van Nistelrooy at King Power Stadium:
Harry Amass
The 17-year-old left-back, yet to make his Manchester United debut, has been a standout prospect.
His tough tackling and offensive support during pre-season caught attention, and Van Nistelrooy even included him on the bench in three of his four interim matches as United’s manager.
However, with competition from Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, and Tyrell Malacia at United, Amass’s chances for senior appearances are slim.
While Leicester could benefit from reinforcement at left-back, relying on a 17-year-old may be a gamble.
A loan move could be a more feasible option, but it would require Leicester to terminate Odsonne Edouard’s current season-long loan from Crystal Palace due to Premier League regulations.
Victor Lindelof
At Manchester United, center-back Victor Lindelof has struggled for playing time.
Despite manager Ruben Amorim’s preference for three central defenders, Lindelof sits behind Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, and Harry Maguire in the pecking order.
With his contract expiring in six months, reports suggest he is available for transfer.
Lindelof’s only two 90-minute appearances this season came under Van Nistelrooy, though a recent injury prevented him from playing in the Carabao Cup.
Leicester’s interest may hinge on the severity of his injury and their need for defensive reinforcements.
Armando Obispo
The left-footed center-back, a rarity in Leicester’s current squad, was a regular starter under Van Nistelrooy at PSV until a knee injury sidelined him.
Although he has since recovered, consistent starting opportunities have eluded him.
A fresh start could benefit both parties. Obispo’s strong passing ability and defensive reading of the game make him a promising option for Leicester as they aim to bolster their backline.
Mauro Junior
While Mauro Junior didn’t feature prominently for Van Nistelrooy at PSV due to injuries, he has since become an integral player.
He’s played regularly in PSV’s Champions League fixtures and demonstrated versatility, performing as a left-back, right-back, and defensive midfielder.
Junior’s adaptability and growing influence could make him an asset for Leicester, especially if Van Nistelrooy values a dynamic presence across multiple positions.
As Leicester City navigates the challenges of the January window, Van Nistelrooy’s history with these players may play a pivotal role in shaping their recruitment strategy.
